Cancer cases increase in the state: Marak

Shillong, Mar 22 (UNI) Health and Family Welfare Minister Deborah C Marak today admitted in the Assembly that the number of cancer patients had increased in Meghalaya.

Replying to a question of E K Sangma, Ms Marak said though no specific survey had been done in the state to ascertain the death toll due to cancer, the latest World Health Organisation report indicated increase in incidence of cancer throughout the world.

Asked the reason for this increase in Meghalaya, the minister said that 40 to 45 per cent cases were due to consumption of tobbaco, betel nuts, alcohol and poor nutrition.

Ms Marak informed the House that Rs 3 crores were spent for providing facilities to treat cancer patients. Shillong Civil Hospital was now well-equipped and specialised doctors were available for treatment of cancer. The government had also made available the required medicine for the patients, she added.

UNI